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(11) | EP 3 005 948 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH FLUIDS |
| (57) An invention is disclosed that includes a housing with an opening at a first end
and a plurality of holes at a second end, a plurality of hollow tubes attached to
the plurality of holes, a plurality of containers removably attached to the hollow
tubes, and a plurality of elastic fasteners, each elastic fastener clamping each container
to a corresponding hollow tube, such that when the containers are filled with fluid
and detached from the corresponding hollow tubes, each elastic fastener seals each
container with the fluid inside.
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TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to fluid inflatable systems and more particularly, to an apparatus, system and method for filling containers with fluids.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Inflatable containers such as balloons can be filled with a variety of fluids, such as air, helium, water, medicines, etc. In some cases, it may be desirable for a lot of inflatable containers to be filled with fluids. For example, festive balloons used as props in conventions, large parties, etc. may number in the hundreds and may require substantial human effort to fill them all in a timely manner. In another example, water balloons used as kids' toys may need to be filled in large numbers to aid in various games. Various methods may be employed to fill such inflatable containers. For example, an individual may sequentially blow up and tie each balloon by hand or use a tank of compressed air or helium to inflate the balloon, which then has to be tied. This sequential filling is time consuming. In another example, an individual may fill water balloons with water by hand one at a time, and then tie the balloons, which can all be quite time-consuming. Moreover, the inflatable containers may be damaged or filled to different volumes.
[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, system and method for filling containers with fluids that addresses at least some of the above mentioned disadvantages and/or that will at least provide the public with a useful choice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising:
a housing comprising an opening at a first end and a plurality of holes at a second end;
a plurality of hollow tubes, each hollow tube attached to the housing at a respective one of the holes at the second end;
a plurality of containers, each container removably attached to a respective one of the hollow tubes; and
a plurality of elastic fasteners, each elastic fastener clamping a respective one of the plurality of containers to a corresponding hollow tube, and each elastic fastener configured to automatically seal its respective one of the plurality of containers upon detaching the container from its corresponding hollow tube.
[0005] Preferably the apparatus is configured to fill the containers substantially simultaneously with a fluid.
[0006] Preferably the first end of the housing has an outermost perimeter that is smaller in length than an outermost perimeter of the second end.
[0009] Preferably each container comprises a rigid portion and a flexible portion, the flexible portion disposed between the elastic fastener and the end of a respective one of the plurality of tubes.
[0010] Preferably each container comprises a volumetric measurement marking providing a visual reference for filling the container to a desired volume.
[0011] Preferably the elastic fastener is disposed outwardly from the container and clamps an inner surface of the container against an outer surface of the respective one of the plurality of tubes.
[0013] Preferably each elastic fastener comprises an o-ring configured to automatically seal the container in response to a force applied to the container in a direction away from the housing.
[0015] Preferably the plurality of tubes comprise a first set of tubes each having a first length, and a second set of tubes each having a second length longer than the first length.
[0016] Preferably the housing is attached to a valve coupled to a fluid source, wherein the valve is configured to control delivery of the fluid to fill the plurality of containers.
[0017] Preferably the valve includes a lever that can be turned to a first position to turn on the valve and allow fluid flow to the housing, wherein the lever can be turned to a second position to turn off the valve and stop fluid flow to the housing.
[0018] Preferably one end of the valve is connected to a hose attached to a water supply, and the other end is threaded to the housing.
[0019] In a second aspect the present invention may be said to be a method of filling a plurality of containers simultaneously with a fluid, comprising:
attaching a housing to a fluid source, wherein the housing comprises a fluid inlet (preferably a threaded opening at a first end) and a plurality of holes separated from the fluid inlet (preferably at a second end), a plurality of hollow tubes extending from the plurality of holes and each having a distal end with a fluid outlet opening that is in fluid connection with the fluid inlet, wherein a plurality of containers are removably attached to the plurality of hollow tubes and about the fluid outlet of each hollow tube, wherein an elastic fastener clamps each container to a corresponding one of the hollow tubes;
supplying a fluid from the fluid source to the housing via the fluid inlet; and
substantially simultaneously filling the plurality of containers with the fluid.
[0020] Preferably further comprising detaching the plurality of containers from the plurality of hollow tubes, wherein when each container is detached from the corresponding hollow tube, the elastic fastener seals the containers with the fluid inside.
[0021] Preferably the detaching comprises shaking the housing until the plurality of containers slip down the hollow tubes.
[0023] Preferably when the filled containers reach a threshold weight, the containers slip off the hollow tubes.
[0024] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising a tube removably joined to at least one elastic container by an open elastic valve, wherein the tube facilitates filling the elastic container with a fluid, the elastic valve being configured to automatically close upon removal of the tube from the elastic container to seal the fluid inside the elastic container.
[0025] Preferably the elastic valve comprises an elastic ring disposed around a neck of the elastic container.
[0026] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising a plurality of flexible tubes, each flexible tube joined to a balloon, wherein the flexible tubes facilitate filling the balloons with a fluid, wherein the balloons are disposed in sufficient proximity to one another to push on each other during their filling, thereby causing the tubes to flex.
[0028] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a balloon filling apparatus comprising a plurality of tubes and a plurality of balloons, wherein each balloon is connected to a respective one of the tubes with a connecting force not less than a weight equivalent to one of the balloons if substantially filled with water, the connecting force being overcomeable by applying an upward acceleration on the tube, wherein the apparatus is configured to fill the plurality of the balloons substantially simultaneously.
[0030] Preferably the connecting force is provided by an elastic valve configured to automatically seal the balloon if the connecting force is overcome.
[0031] Preferably each hole of the plurality of holes at the second end of the housing extends through an outer surface of the housing, the outer surface opposing the opening at the first end of the housing.
[0032] In still a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising or including
a conduit or manifold with at least one outlet and with an inlet for fluid to be ducted to egress from the or each outlet, and
a resiliently collared, resiliently banded and/or resiliently beaded fluid inflatable container constrained by the collar, band and/or bead such that its fluid entranceway is releasably about, but sealed to, the or its outlet;
the arrangement being that fluid can pass through such conduit or manifold in use to inflate the container(s) whilst the collar, band and/or bead of the or each container keeps the fluid entranceway about and sealed to the or its outlet;
and the arrangement further being such that the fluid content weight and/or inertia can assist or cause the release by axial separation of the fluid entranceway of the or each container from the or its outlet whereupon the or each collar, band and/or bead, no longer expanded by the or its tubular outlet, closes the or its fluid entranceway.
[0034] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising or including
a manifold or manifold assembly ('manifold') providing an ability to duct fluid ingressing via an inlet to egress out of each of a plurality of outlets,
a plurality of fluid inflatable containers each having its entranceway about a said outlet, and
a resilient collar, band and/or bead of and/or about each entranceway in a stretched condition thereby to hold the entranceway sufficiently tightly about its outlet to receive a fluid fill but not so tightly that the fluid fill weight and/or inertia cannot assist and/or cause the release and/or extraction of its outlet and thereafter the fluid tight sealing of the tubular entranceway by a contraction of its collar, band and/or bead.
[0038] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a water balloon assembly comprising
a plurality of balloons each with a tubular entranceway, and
a collar, band or bead about or of each tubular entranceway, and
a manifold or manifold assembly ('manifold') having an inlet to receive water and duct such water out of each of a plurality of tubular outlets;
wherein each balloon is held sufficiently tightly by the collar, band or bead with the liquid entranceway about its tubular outlet of the manifold that water will pass out of its tubular outlet through its tubular entranceway to inflate the balloon;
and wherein each balloon can have its tubular entranceway sealed by a contraction of its collar, band or bead when no longer held to it's tubular outlet;
and wherein separation of a water inflated balloon from its manifold outlet can be caused or assisted by the weight or inertia of the water in the balloon.
[0039] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus comprising or including
a plurality of resiliently chokered water inflatable balloons each held by its choker about its tubular entranceway, and as a sleeve, on an outlet tube of a filling manifold connectable at its inlet to a water source.
[0040] Preferably the choker hold on each manifold outlet enables post water inflation axial separation of the sleeved tubular entranceway from its tubular outlet and subsequent choker sealing of the tubular entranceway of the water inflated balloon.
[0041] Preferably the weight and/or inertia of the water content assists and/or causes the axial separation.
[0042] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a filling procedure for multiple balloons, each to be sealed by a constrictor about its tubular entranceway, the procedure comprising the steps of
providing a manifold with an inlet to receive water and multiple tubular outlets, each outlet having a tubular entranceway, as a sleeve, held by the constrictor on the tubular entranceway, and
inflating each balloon with water and allowing drop off and/or causing drop off of each balloon to self seal reliant on its constrictor.
[0043] In even a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a water filled balloon sealed by a constrictor about its tubular entranceway.
[0044] In even a further aspect the present invention may be said to be a plurality of juxtaposed water filled balloons each in fluid communication via a manifold to a single water supply conduit.
[0045] The present invention may also be said to be a water filled balloon sealed by a constrictor about its tubular entranceway, such constrictor having effected the seal after a sliding off of the tubular entranceway from a filling spigot.
[0046] Preferably the filling spigot was a tubular outlet of a manifold thread engageable to a suitable tap.
[0047] The present invention may also be said to be a water filled balloon sealed by a constrictor about its beaded tubular entranceway, the beading assisting constrictor location about the entranceway.
[0048] In yet a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an item of commerce, comprising
- (1) apparatus as herein before described and
- (2) packaging that has the apparatus therein so as not to allow easy separation of each balloon or container from its associated tubular outlet from the manifold.
[0049] Preferably the apparatus allows a thread engagement of the inlet of the manifold to complementary faucet without separation of any balloon or container from the manifold.
[0050] In even a further aspect the present invention may be said to be an apparatus suitable to provide a multiple of water filled and choker or constrictor sealed balloons upon water filling of the balloons using a manifold of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a said manifold with a inlet to receive water and multiple tubular outlets out which water is to issue, a balloon docked about each tubular outlet to receive issuing water, and a said choker or constrictor of each balloon to serve the multiple functions:
- (a) hold its balloon to receive issuing water,
- (b) allow dedocking of its balloon,and
- (c) choke or constrictor seal water content in its balloon as the water filled balloon is being dedocked and/or upon dedocking.
[0053] Preferably the balloons, in their pre-filled condition, allow the distal ends of the tubes at where the balloons are engaged, to be in more condensed configuration compared to when the balloons filled.
[0054] Preferably the tubes extend substantially parallel each other and are adapted and configured, when being filled, to progressively splay outwards.
[0055] Preferably the tubes extend from the housing generally in the same direction and are adapted and configured, when being filled, to progressively splay outwards.
[0056] Preferably the tubes are adapted to not crease, fold or buckle when the balloons are being filled.
[0057] Preferably the outward splay is as a result of the expansion of the girth of the balloons as they are filled and the balloons being in contact with adjacent of said balloons.
[0061] Preferably there is no pressure differential between the air in the balloons and ambient air.
[0063] Preferably the balloons, once filled, are volumetrically, at least 3 times their flaccid size.
[0064] Preferably the balloons, once filled, are volumetrically, at least 5 times their flaccid size.
[0069] Preferably the balloons comprise of a flexible body and a less flexible spout, the spout being engaged to a respective tube.
[0070] Preferably the flexible body or each balloon is located beyond the distal end of a respective tube.
[0071] Preferably a first group of tubes have their distal ends more proximate the housing/manifold than a second group of tubes, thereby locating a first group of balloons more proximate the housing/manifold than a second group of balloons.
[0074] Preferably the second group of tubes are of inner more concentric circles to the first group of tubes.
[0075] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be more than 20mm apart each other.
[0076] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be more than 25mm apart each other.
[0077] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be more than 30mm apart each other.
[0078] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be more than 35mm apart each other.
[0079] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be more than 40mm apart each other.
[0080] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be more than 45mm apart each other.
[0081] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be more than 50mm apart each other.
[0082] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be more than 55mm apart each other.
[0083] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be more than 60mm apart each other.
[0084] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be more than 65mm apart each other.
[0085] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be no more than 80mm apart each other.
[0086] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be no more than 70mm apart each other.
[0087] Preferably the ends of the tubes displace, upon filling of the balloons, to be no more than 65mm apart each other.
[0088] Preferably the ends of the tubes, when the balloons are flaccid, have a spacing of less than 50mm.
[0089] Preferably the ends of the tubes, when the balloons are flaccid, have a spacing of less than 40mm.
[0090] Preferably the ends of the tubes, when the balloons are flaccid, have a spacing of less than 30mm.
[0091] Preferably the ends of the tubes, when the balloons are flaccid, have a spacing of less than 20mm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0092] To provide a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a simplified perspective view illustrating an example configuration of an embodiment of a system for filling containers with fluids;
FIGURE 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of example details of an embodiment of the system;
FIGURE 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating other example details of an embodiment of the system;
FIGURE 4 is a simplified diagram illustrating yet other example details of an embodiment of the system;
FIGURE 5 is a simplified diagram illustrating yet other example details of an embodiment of the system;
FIGURE 6 is a simplified diagram illustrating yet other example details of an embodiment of the system;
FIGURE 7 is a simplified diagram illustrating yet other example details of an embodiment of the system; and
FIGURE 8 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating example operations that may be associated with an embodiment of the system.
FIGURE 9a is an end view of figure 9b
FIGURE 9b is a side view of an example of the present invention
FIGURE 9c is an opposite end view of figure 9b
FIGURE 10 is a side view showing the tubes splayed apart more when the balloons have been filled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0093] In a broad sense the present invention includes or utilizes an apparatus that includes a housing (e.g., casing, manifold, covering, etc. that includes a cavity inside) with a first opening at a first region and a plurality of openings at a second region. , A plurality of hollow tubes extend from the plurality of openings to a plurality of containers (e.g., receptacles, vessels, ampules, test-tubes, balloons, etc.). The tubes may be integrally formed with the housing or separately assembled therewith. The containers are removably attached to the hollow tubes. A plurality of elastic fasteners are utilized Each elastic fastener clampsa container to a corresponding hollow tube, such that when the containers are filled with fluid and detached from the corresponding hollow tubes, each elastic fastener seals each container to help retain the fluid inside the container. The fasteners may be integrally formed with the container or separately associated therewith.
[0094] Some examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the following disclosure describes several example embodiments for implementing different features, structures, or functions of the system. Example embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described herein to simplify the present disclosure. However, these example embodiments are provided merely as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0095] The present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various exemplary embodiments and across the Figures provided herein. This repetitions is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and/or configurations discussed in the various Figures.
[0096] FIGURE 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a system 10 for filling containers with fluids. System 10 includes a housing 12 removably attachable to a hose 14 (e.g., tube, pipe, etc.) at a first region such as on a first end A and to a plurality of hollow tubes 16 at a second region such as the second end B.
[0097] As used herein, the term "housing" encompasses a hollow space or chamber enclosed by a rigid or semi-rigid casing (e.g., covering, skin, sleeve, sheath, etc.). A manifold arrangement is provide by the housing. In some embodiments, end A may include a threaded opening configured to mate with corresponding threads on hose 14. In some embodiments, end A may be smaller in circumference or area than end B. Hose 14 may be connected to a fluid source, such as a water tank, gas tank, water supply line, etc. on end A. End B may include a plurality of openings such as holes (preferably configured in an array), configured to fit tubes 16. In some embodiments, tubes 16 may be integrally formed with the housing or are permanently attached (e.g., welded, brazed, stuck with adhesives, press-fitted, etc.) to housing 12. In other embodiments, tubes 16 may be removably attached (e.g., with threads, pressure, etc.) to housing 12.
[0098] The tubes each have an outlet opening distal the housing. A plurality of containers 18 may be held (e.g., attached, fastened, camped, clinched, secured, etc.) to plurality of hollow tubes 16 at the distal ends of the tube. This is preferably achieved using elastic valves 20. Each tube has one container associated with it.
[0099] As used herein, the term "container" refers to an object that can hold something, such as fluids. It is preferably an elastic container but does not need to be so. The term "valve" refers to an object that regulates, directs, or controls the flow of fluids, by opening, closing, or partially obstructing passageways of fluid flow. In an example embodiment, elastic valves 20 comprise elastic fasteners, such as O-rings or rubber bands. In another example embodiments, elastic valves 20 comprise corrugations, smocking, elastic fibers, etc. fabricated into the necks of containers 18. They are adapted and configured so that force is required to pull open the necks of containers 18, and removal of the force causes the necks to constrict and close. In yet another example embodiment, elastic valves comprise internal or external plugs affixed to the necks of containers 18, through which tubes 16 may be pushed through to clamp containers 18 thereto.
[0100] Note that each of container 18 hasan opening to facilitate clamping to tubes 16 and a cavity for containing fluid. For example, one end of an example tube 16A may be fitted through a hole in end B of housing 12, and the other end of tube 16A may be inserted into an example container 18A. An example elastic valve 20A (e.g., O-ring, comprising a mechanical gasket typically in a toroid shape; elastic ring, such as a rubber-band) of sufficient size to expand and clamp around tube 16A may be dispose around (e.g., placed over) a neck (e.g., portion just below opening) of container 18A, clamping and sealing container 18A to tube 16A. Thus, elastic valve 20A may be in an open configuration when container 18A is attached to tube 16A; in elastic valve 20A's open configuration, the neck of container 18A is open, allowing container 18A to fill with fluid. After container 18A is filled with fluid, it may be removed from tube 16A, whereupon elastic valve 20A is free to close and closes, thereby closing the neck of container 18A and sealing the fluid inside.
[0101] In one example embodiment, containers 18 may comprise inflatable balloons that may be filled with fluids such as water, air or helium. In another example embodiment, containers 18 may comprise flexible (e.g., stretchy, springy, etc.) elastic containers that may be filled with gaseous or liquid medications. As used herein, the term "elastic" is meant to refer to a property of a material that allows the material to resume its normal shape spontaneously after contraction, dilation, or distortion. In an example, an elastic material may be stretched to 200% of its original length, and the material may return to its original length when the stretching force is removed.
[0102] It will be appreciated that the valve may not make a complete seal of the container. An gas or liquid tight seal is preferred but some, minimal, leakage of fluid from the container may occur after removal from the tubes. Any leakage is preferably minimal for the applications to which the container is subsequently put. Eg if its for decorative balloons, slow leakage over a matter of days is likely to be of no consequence. Leakage may also be temporary in that subsequent additional sealing by other steps may take place. Eg decorative balloons may be clipped to a stick that has some sealing functionality to offer additional sealing for the balloon.
[0103] In yet another example embodiment, containers 18 may comprise flexible containers that may be filled with body fluids (e.g., urine, blood) for example, to collect multiple samples simultaneously for testing. Virtually any type and kind of fluid may be used within the broad scope of the embodiments. Note that in some embodiments, containers 18 need not be inflatable or flexible in their entireties. For example, a bottom portion of containers 18 may be inelastic (e.g., glass, plastic, metal, etc., of fixed shape and size), and a top portion may be flexible enough to be inserted around tubes 16 and clamped thereon.
[0104] When the fluid source is turned on, fluid may flow through housing 12, tubes 16 and fill containers 18. In some embodiments, when housing 12 is connected to a stream of liquid, containers 18 may be filled with the liquid. In some embodiments, the fluid may be supplied at high pressure. Virtually any mechanism that facilitates fluid flow through tubes 16 at sufficient pressure to fill containers 18 may be used within the broad scope of the embodiments. After containers 18 have reached a desired size or volume, they may be detached from tubes 16. In one example embodiment, filled containers 18 may be detached by pulling them away from tubes 16.
[0105] In another example embodiment, the connecting force holding filled containers 18 to tubes 16 may be overcome by an upward acceleration on tubes 16, for example, when they are shaken. Thus, filled containers 18 may be detached by shaking housing 12 (or tubes 16) sufficiently vigorously to cause containers 18 to fall off from tubes 16. In some embodiments, the connecting force holding filled container to its corresponding tube is not less than the weight of the filled container; in a specific embodiment, the connecting force holding each container to its corresponding tube is exactly equal to the weight of the filled container. The connecting force may be provided by a combination of constricting forces and friction forces from elastic valves 20.
[0106] In yet other embodiments, containers 18 may fall off under gravity; for example, when filled containers 18 reach a threshold weight, they slip off tubes 16 due to gravity. The threshold weight may be based upon the tightness of elastic valves 20, friction between tubes 16 and containers 18, and force from the weight of containers 18 (among other parameters). In various embodiments, containers 14 may slide off tubes 16 and elastic valves 20 may constrict the necks of containers 18, sealing them. In some embodiments, containers 18 may be marked with volumetric measurements, and fluid flow may be turned off when the fluid has filled containers 18 to a desired volume.
[0107] The end of the hollow tubes may include a flared outer lip or gradual taper increasing towards the end, that may present a hurdle for the elastic valve when sliding off the tube. An increased force may be applied to the container to overcome this hurdle prior to release from the tube. This may be desirable in order to prevent accidental or premature removal. However selection of an appropriate materials and their co-efficient of friction for the tubes and containers and an appropriately elastic valve, accidental or premature release may also be avoided.
[0108] In some embodiments, hollow tubes 16 may be made of a rigid material (e.g., steel, glass); in other embodiments, tubes 16 may be made of a flexible material (e.g., thin plastic). In some embodiments, tubes 16 may be thick, short and rigid; in other embodiments, tubes 16 may be slender, long and flexible. Thus, hollow tubes 16 may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, based on its material of construction, design, or a combination thereof. Note that tubes 16 may be of different lengths, for example, to prevent crowding and to accommodate a larger number of containers 18 than would be possible if tubes 16 were of the same length. Thus, at least some of hollow tubes 16 may be of different lengths than the others.
[0109] Also, tubes 16 may be flexible to enable containers 18 to expand. Thus, as containers 18 fill with fluid and expand, they may push against each other, flexing tubes 16. The outermost tubes 16 may be flexed more than the innermost tubes 16 (outer and inner being in reference to a center-point of housing 12, with the inner tubes 16 being closer to the center-point, and the outer tubes 16 being farther from the center-point).
[0110] Turning to FIGURE 2, FIGURE 2 is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of system 10. Housing 12 comprises a threaded opening 22 at end A, an internal cavity 24, and an array of holes 26 at end B. Internal cavity 24 facilitates distributing the fluid entering at threaded opening 22 to array of holes 26 at end B. In some embodiments, threaded opening 22 may be configured for attaching to a fluid supply hose 14 (e.g., garden hose, plastic tube, etc.). In other embodiments, threaded opening 22 may be attached to corresponding threads in a valve. Array of holes 26 may be configured for connecting first ends 28 of tubes 16 by any suitable means. In some embodiments, first ends 28 of tubes 16 may be connected to corresponding holes 26 by compressing or gluing. In some embodiments, a number of holes 26 in housing 12 and a number of tubes 16 can correspond to a number of containers 18 that are desired to be filled and sealed substantially simultaneously.
[0111] To clarify further, only one example tube 16A is shown in the figure. A first end 28A of tube 16A is fitted through a corresponding hole 26A in housing 12. A second end 29A of tube 16A is inserted into container 18A. Elastic valve 20A may be placed around the neck of container 18A clamping the neck to tube 16A. An internal volume 30A of container 18A may be filled with fluid appropriately.
[0112] To fill and seal containers 18, housing 12 may be attached to a fluid supply tube (e.g., garden hose) and the fluid supply may be turned on. The fluid enters housing 12, is distributed to holes 26, travels down tubes 16, and fills containers 18. Containers 18 may be filled and may expand substantially simultaneously. When containers 18 have reached a desired size and/or they are filled with the desired volume of fluid, they may be removed from tubes 16. They can be removed by falling off, by shaking them off, by pulling them off by hand, etc. As each container 18A is removed from corresponding tube 16A, respective elastic valve 20A may constrict and close the neck of container 18A, sealing it with the fluid inside.
[0113] Turning to FIGURE 3, FIGURE 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating example details of a valve 31 that may be attached between hose 14 and housing 12 according to an embodiment of system 10. One end of valve 31 may be attached to hose 14 and the other end may be attached to threaded opening 22 of housing 12 (e.g., using threads). A lever 32 may be turned from one side (of valve 31) to another (e.g., as indicated by arrow C) to turn on and turn off fluid flow to housing 12. For example, to turn on the fluid flow, lever 32 may be turned to a first position; lever 32 may be turned to a second position (e.g., different from the first position) to turn off fluid flow.
[0114] Turning to FIGURE 4, FIGURE 4 is a simplified diagram illustrating example details of an embodiment of system 10. Housing 12 may be attached to a spigot 33 (e.g., nozzle, faucet, outlet, etc.) that connects to the fluid source. Spigot 33 may be turned on or turned off to start or stop fluid flow to housing 12.
[0115] Turning to FIGURE 5, FIGURE 5 is a simplified diagram illustrating example details of an application of an embodiment of system 10. Embodiments of system 10 may be used in a variety of applications, such as for collecting numerous blood samples substantially simultaneously. Blood 34 may be drawn from a human (or animal) and blood 34 may collect substantially simultaneously in plurality of containers 18. The substantial simultaneous collection of blood in such manner can ease patient pain, speed up sampling time, and enable taking multiple samples substantially simultaneously without cross-contamination from one container to another or messy transfers between containers.
[0116] Turning to FIGURE 6, FIGURE 6 is a simplified diagram illustrating example details of an application of an embodiment of system 10. Embodiments of system 10 may be used in a variety of applications, such as for collecting numerous urine samples substantially simultaneously. Urine 36 may be drawn from a human (or animal) through a suitable catheter 38, and may collect substantially simultaneously in plurality of containers 18.
[0117] Turning to FIGURE 7, FIGURE 7 is a simplified diagram illustrating example details of an embodiment of system 10. Example container 18A may comprise a flexible portion 40 and an inflexible portion 42. Flexible portion 40 may be clamped on to example tube 16A using example elastic valve 20A. In some embodiments, container 18A may comprise volumetric measurement markings 44. When fluid fills container 18A to a desired volume, for example, as indicated by volumetric measurement marking 44, container 18A may be detached from tube 16A, whereupon elastic valve 20A may close container 18A, sealing the fluid inside.
[0118] Turning to FIGURE 8, FIGURE 8 is a simplified flow diagram 50 illustrating example operations that may be associated with an embodiment of system 10. At 52, housing 12 may be attached to a fluid source (e.g., through hose 14, spigot 33, etc.) At 54, fluid may be supplied from the fluid source to housing 12. At 56, plurality of containers 18 may be filled with the fluid. At 58, containers 18 may be detached from corresponding tubes 16.
[0119] Note that in this Specification, references to various features (e.g., elements, structures, modules, components, steps, operations, characteristics, etc.) included in "one embodiment", "example embodiment", "an embodiment", "another embodiment", "some embodiments", "various embodiments", "other embodiments", "alternative embodiment", and the like are intended to mean that any such features are included in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, but may or may not necessarily be combined in the same embodiments.
[0120] The elements described herein may be made of any suitable materials, including metal (e.g., stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, etc.), plastic, glass, elastomers, or any suitable combination thereof. Each element may also be made of a combination of different materials (e.g., housing and tubes may be made of plastic and containers may be made of elastic rubber; housing and tubes may be made of stainless steel and containers may be made of a combination of glass and flexible plastic; etc.). Any suitable material or combination of materials may be used for the components described herein without departing from the broad scope of the present disclosure.
[0121] In addition, the shapes shown and illustrated in the various FIGURES are for example purposes only. Various other shapes may be used herein without changing the scope of the present disclosure. For example, housing 12 may be conical, cylindrical, pyramidal, etc., without departing from the broad scope of the embodiments. Likewise, tubes 16 may be rigid, or flexible 18 without departing from the scope of the broad embodiments.
[0122] While the disclosure references several particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described embodiments without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all elements or steps which are insubstantially different from those recited in the claims but perform substantially the same functions, respectively, in substantially the same way to achieve the same result as what is claimed are within the scope of the disclosure.
1. An apparatus comprising:
a housing comprising an opening at a first end and a plurality of holes at a second end;
a plurality of hollow tubes, each hollow tube attached to the housing at a respective one of the holes at the second end;
a plurality of containers, each container removably attached to a respective one of the hollow tubes; and
a plurality of elastic fasteners, each elastic fastener clamping a respective one of the plurality of containers to a corresponding hollow tube, and each elastic fastener configured to automatically seal its respective one of the plurality of containers upon detaching the container from its corresponding hollow tube.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to fill the containers
substantially simultaneously with a fluid.
3. The apparatus of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the first end of the housing has an outermost
perimeter that is smaller in length than an outermost perimeter of the second end.
4. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening at the first end of
the housing has a threaded inner surface.
5. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein each container comprises an expandable
balloon portion.
6. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein each container comprises a volumetric
measurement marking providing a visual reference for filling the container to a desired
volume.
7. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the elastic fastener is disposed
outwardly from the container and clamps an inner surface of the container against
an outer surface of the respective one of the plurality of tubes.
8. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein each elastic fastener comprises
an o-ring configured to automatically seal the container in response to a force applied
to the container in a direction away from the housing.
9. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the hollow tubes are flexible.
10. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of tubes comprise
a first set of tubes each having a first length, and a second set of tubes each having
a second length longer than the first length.
11. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the housing is attached to a valve
coupled to a fluid source, wherein the valve is configured to control delivery of
the fluid to fill the plurality of containers.
12. The apparatus of Claim 11, wherein the valve includes a lever that can be turned to
a first position to turn on the valve and allow fluid flow to the housing, wherein
the lever can be turned to a second position to turn off the valve and stop fluid
flow to the housing.
13. The apparatus of Claim 11, wherein one end of the valve is connected to a hose attached
to a water supply, and the other end is threaded to the housing.
14. A method of filling a plurality of containers simultaneously with a fluid, comprising:
attaching a housing to a fluid source, wherein the housing comprises a fluid inlet (preferably a threaded opening at a first end) and a plurality of holes separated from the fluid inlet (preferably at a second end), a plurality of hollow tubes extending from the plurality of holes and each having a distal end with a fluid outlet opening that is in fluid connection with the fluid inlet, wherein a plurality of containers are removably attached to the plurality of hollow tubes and about the fluid outlet of each hollow tube, wherein an elastic fastener clamps each container to a corresponding one of the hollow tubes;
supplying a fluid from the fluid source to the housing via the fluid inlet; and
substantially simultaneously filling the plurality of containers with the fluid.
15. The method of Claim 14, further comprising detaching the plurality of containers from
the plurality of hollow tubes, wherein when each container is detached from the corresponding
hollow tube, the elastic fastener seals the containers with the fluid inside.
16. The method of any one of Claims 14 or 15, wherein the detaching comprises shaking
the housing until the plurality of containers slip down the hollow tubes.
17. The method of any one of Claims 14 to 16, wherein when the filled containers reach
a threshold weight, the containers slip off the hollow tubes.
18. An apparatus comprising a tube removably joined to at least one elastic container
by an open elastic valve, wherein the tube facilitates filling the elastic container
with a fluid, the elastic valve being configured to automatically close upon removal
of the tube from the elastic container to seal the fluid inside the elastic container.
19. The apparatus of Claim 18, wherein the elastic valve comprises an elastic ring disposed
around a neck of the elastic container.
20. An apparatus comprising a plurality of flexible tubes, each flexible tube joined to
a balloon, wherein the flexible tubes facilitate filling the balloons with a fluid,
wherein the balloons are disposed in sufficient proximity to one another to push on
each other during their filling, thereby causing the tubes to flex.
21. A balloon filling apparatus comprising a plurality of tubes and a plurality of balloons,
wherein each balloon is connected to a respective one of the tubes with a connecting
force not less than a weight equivalent to one of the balloons if substantially filled
with water, the connecting force being overcomeable by applying an upward acceleration
on the tube, wherein the apparatus is configured to fill the plurality of the balloons
substantially simultaneously.
22. The balloon filling apparatus of Claim 21, wherein the connecting force is provided
by an elastic valve configured to automatically seal the balloon if the connecting
force is overcome.
23. The apparatus of Claim 1, wherein each hole of the plurality of holes at the second
end of the housing extends through an outer surface of the housing, the outer surface
opposing the opening at the first end of the housing.